RC-AID - Red Cell Antibody Identification System

RC-AID is a red blood cell antibody identification tool for hospital transfusion services and blood center reference labs. Its intuitive format lets you view your entire reagent inventory; enter search criteria by red cell reagent concentration, antigenicity, or both; and print a worksheet. You can easily select which cells you need to test your patient and/or submit a new search, evaluate selected cells, or select additional cells. Just print your customized panel of cells and you're ready to start testing.top

What are the advantages of RC-AID?

RC-AID lets you generate a specialized panel of cells in a fraction of the time it would take to manually choose cells from a manufacturer's antigrams. Unlike other products, RC-AID shows all the search options as you enter your parameters. Easier selection of the best cells to test means fewer cells to run for ruling out additional antibodies. Because all of your selected cells are on one worksheet, evaluation and review is simplified, saving you time and effort.top

How do I know my lab's computer system will work with RC-AID?

RC-AID is a Web-based application, so any computer with Internet access and Adobe Reader can run RC-AID. No installation is necessary.top

Does that mean my inventory isn’t my own?

No. When you log into RC-AID, you access and control your own unique database. You determine which cells are listed and other user-defined functionstop

What else can RC-AID do?

RC-AID has optional menu choices that allow you to enter patient information to print on your worksheet, create antibody identification cover sheets, run rule out analysis of your selections, and create reports of your red cell inventory.top

What suppliers and panels can be used with RC-AID?

RC-AID supports any combination of panels for any suppliers. If you do not see your supplier, contact support@rcaid.net with your request to add a supplier and technical support will perform the necessary setup so you can easily enter the hard copy panel.top

Which suppliers have their panels pre-loaded into RC-AID's master file? And how can I copy those panels into my inventory?

RC-AID's master file contains the following suppliers: Immucor, Ortho, Biotest and Medion. You import those antigrams into your inventory from a link on the Add Cells screen.top

Does RC-AID support special antigens?

Yes, RC-AID allows the entry of special antigens and blood type. Once entered, the reference labs can search by special antigen and track their storage location.top

What type of rule out analysis does RC-AID do?

You tell RC-AID what antibody or antibodies you have identified and which cells you have tested or plan to test. Based on the identified antibodies RC-AID will evaluate your selected red cells and provide the number of heterozygous and homozygous rule outs for all other antibodies.top

Are the results of the analysis and/or worksheet saved?

The patient information, reagent selections and analysis are not saved. The technologist can print the worksheet or save it as a .pdf file on their computer.top

How do I know RC-AID is any good?

RC-AID is based on a model in use since 2001 at a 12-site hospital system. RC-AID was designed by a medical technologist with the bench technician in mind, along with features that make it an invaluable resource for reference labs, blood centers and transfusion services.top

What validation do I need before I use RC-AID

Because RC-AID is web-based, the validation has been done for you. You validate the entry of each new lot, that's all.top

What hardware and software do I need to use RC-AID?

RC-AID is accessed via the internet and supports the following browsers - Internet Explorer 6.0 and above, Firefox, and Chrome. The worksheet and reports also require Adobe Reader. In addition, your monitor should support 1024 X 768 pixels.top

What is the purpose of the coversheet?

The coversheet is an additional worksheet for recording miscellaneous testing (A1 lectin, monospecific DAT's, etc) as well as results of your review process and pathologist interpretations. It is based on a form used at the organization where the prototype for RC-AID was developed and is completely optional.top

I'm already using another system. Do I have to re-enter my inventory into RC-AID?

No, RC-AID can perform a one-time conversion of inventory from a pre-defined data file format. The conversion should be done as the first step when setting up your inventory.top

Can I try RC-AID before I buy?

You can try RC-AID for 30 days free of charge before deciding if RC-AID is right for you.top

My hospital system has several labs. How many subscriptions do I need?

Each subscription supports an unlimited number of users at one laboratory. Each additional laboratory requires an additional subscription.top

How much does RC-AID cost?

A subscription to RC-AID has an annual fee of $949. Each laboratory location requires a separate subscription. In addition, you can include the ability to copy the panels from the master file for an additional cost of $95 for each supplier. RC-AID currently provides antigrams for the following suppliers - Biotest, Immucor-Gamma, Medion, and Ortho. We can convert your electronic inventory file for an additional fee of $145.top

How can I subscribe to RC-AID?

You can subscribe by submitting your payment or purchase order. A one year subscription costs $949 plus $95 for the ability to copy the panels of each supplier from the master file. We will convert your inventory file for an additional fee of $145.top

Checks should be made payable to BBK Technology. Purchase orders should indicate BBK Technology as the vendor.

Mail Payments To:

BBK Technology

2910 E Highland Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85016

For subscription assistance or to email purchase orders, contact BBK administration at admin@RCAID.net or 1.602.717.8888. top

What does BBK stand for?

BBK was derived from the initials of the company founders--Bonnie (the med tech), Bill (the sales guy) and Kay (who does everything else).top